That's a good price for that. I got this when they came out for about the same price. I like it for its size, the optics are pretty good, the 10x optical zoom, its many exposure modes, macro etc,pretty much what the Maxxum series had, and the ability to do manual exposures. For its time it was a really good consumer camera, and still takes great pics, good enough for my 4x6 prints, if I do print any. The optical zoom comes in handy, I use it for more than just close up in home pics, outdoors a lot. It's lasted 6+ years too.

But it's not a DSLR of course, so now that they are reasonable I'm thinking about a Minolta or Sony DSLR body though to go with the lenses from my old Maxxum 7000 SLR.

Ahhh... a tear in my eye. I used to the own a Maxxum 7000 and I believe a 9000? too. I loved those cameras.

Another consideration for MPs is cropping. If you have a 3.2 MP camera then you better make sure your composition is spot on... or else when you trim some away to perfect the pose/straighten photo/whatever then alla sudden you have a 2.8 MP file. Hmmm...

With more MPs you can pull back a bit... get more background and trim away later to your satisfaction. Not to mention that different prints require different crops so you are helping yourself to have a bit more background so you can alter crops for 4x6/5X7/8X10s....

Another consideration for MPs is cropping. If you have a 3.2 MP camera then you better make sure your composition is spot on... or else when you trim some away to perfect the pose/straighten photo/whatever then alla sudden you have a 2.8 MP file. Hmmm...

But you're thinking farther outside of the box than 99.9999999% of users do that take their prints to Walmart to be processed.

It's oversell for the casual consumer. But the manufacturers have to make a profit too I guess.

That's a good price for that. I got this when they came out for about the same price. I like it for its size, the optics are pretty good, the 10x optical zoom, its many exposure modes, macro etc,pretty much what the Maxxum series had, and the ability to do manual exposures. For its time it was a really good consumer camera, and still takes great pics, good enough for my 4x6 prints, if I do print any. The optical zoom comes in handy, I use it for more than just close up in home pics, outdoors a lot. It's lasted 6+ years too.

But it's not a DSLR of course, so now that they are reasonable I'm thinking about a Minolta or Sony DSLR body though to go with the lenses from my old Maxxum 7000 SLR.

Yeah, a good optical zoom, a full-sensor are important, aside from the lens, all three of which are why I'm opting for the Panansonic. I took a look at it in a store, and I like the way it feels, too. It has some heft to it, and feels more like a 'real' camera than others I've used.

I think DSLRs are still priced somewhat insanely ;oP

_________________________“Creative ability is best displayed with the most basic tools."

Yes they are indeed, but I have the auto lenses I need so it won't be so bad. I have a nice 300 mm lens that I miss. I can get a decent Minolta body for a little over $300, 500 or so max, all depending my pixel envy. Either is plenty of camera for me.

It's oversell for the casual consumer. But the manufacturers have to make a profit too I guess.

You can get a halfway decent 12MP point and shoot camera from Wal Mart for $70. I'm not sure there's a terribly insane amount of profit there. Good point and shoot film cameras cost more when you could buy them.

That's just the way electronics are, 10 and 12 MP sensors are dirt cheap from when they first started being manufactured. It's not really the sensors that add to the cost, it's the motors, lenses, etc. Of course you could also spend $300 for a 12MP point and shoot, but then it'll have way better lenses, 10x optical zoom instead of 3x, probably better software too.

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